Football clubs criticised for showing links to online gambling sites on junior pages of their websites

A total of 15 clubs displayed gambling logos and links on junior sections of their website

Football and sports betting companies have a prominent relationship (Getty)

A Premier League team and several Football League sides are some of 15 clubs to have been criticised for placing links to online gambling sites on the junior sections of their websites.

The BBC discovered that logos appeared on sections which explained how to join junior clubs and be a match-day mascot.

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) rules say that online gambling adverts cannot be aimed at anybody under the age of 18 and have called for “immediate action” to be taken in response to the findings.

The findings come in the same week that the head of NHS England, Simon Stevens, called for Premier League clubs to do more to help tackle gambling addiction. “The NHS will now work with the Premier League on how we persuade these foreign gambling companies to do the right thing,” he said.

Aston Villa have removed betting adverts from junior sections on their website (Getty Images)

According to the BBC's investigation, the “Junior Fans” page on Wolverhampton Wanderers’ website contained a gambling company’s logo on the bottom of the page which opened a page to a gambling website featuring Wolves players.

Aston Villa and Celtic also had pages that contained links to gambling sites on the junior section of their website.

All three clubs have removed the adverts from their pages after the BBC 5 live Investigates discoveries, and Celtic said the club would “never intentionally promote such services to those under 18”.

The chief executive of the EFL, Shaun Harvey, said all clubs have been told to hide logos on junior pages. “We apologise to all supporters of our clubs for any concerns this may have raised,” he said.

“All clubs who have betting partners have been instructed to remove any logos from pages aimed at minors.”

Stevens and the NHS’ findings means that tax payers are footing the bill to treat gambling addictions. “Doctors report that two thirds of problem gambling companies are failing to play their part in co-funding help for addicts are deeply concerning.

“Taxpayers and the NHS should not be left to pick up the pieces – the health of the nation is everyone’s responsibility.”